TV: New series investigates the Stephen Fry phenomenon

A new five-part series will explore the growing phenomenon of Stephen Fry-dominated TV documentaries.

‘Planet Fry’ will investigate why, with many other brainy presenters available, producers so often choose ‘Clever Clogs’ Fry to present any telly that is remotely serious.

‘There was a time when Mariella Frostrup or David Starkey would get the gig. Now, whenever there’s a documentary about grown-up subjects, they call for Fry,’ said an un-named TV presenter. ‘I hear even David Attenborough is getting hacked off.’

In the first episode, the programme seeks to reveal the reasons behind the sinister Fry effect, posing the question, ‘Is it because he’s such a big bloke?’ Narrated by Stephen Fry.